Florence Bessman

Florence “Ruth” Bessman, 89, passed away at home on November 7, 2024. Ruthie, as she was called, was a lifelong resident of the Kingston area. She was born on November 17, 1934 to A. Vernon and Emma (Langham) Kelley. Ruthie graduated from Kingston High School, Class of 1952. She then went on to work at the NY Telephone Company for many years as a long distance telephone operator. 

Ruthie really enjoyed travelilng. Indeed, she traveled far and wide within the US and Europe and as far away as Egypt and Japan. She cared deeply about all animals, not only for the number of cats she had throughout her life, but also for the wildlife critters in her backyard and those around the world. 

Ruthie is survived by her stepson, John Bessman, Jr., her stepdaughter, Susan Florsch, her nephew, John White, her niece Teri Toelcke. She is also survived by a caring friend, Janet Hutton. Ruthie and Janet were friends since they were 4 years old. Ruthie is predeceased by her husband, John Bessman, Sr., who died on October 19, 2024, her parents, her first husband William Dunn, and her brother George Kelley and his wife Ruth.

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Kingston, NY. A graveside service will be held at Wiltwyck Cemetery, Kingston, NY on Thursday November 14, 2024 at 11am. A tribute for Ruth can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family.